Reddit is challenging a new law in Australia. This law stops people younger than sixteen from creating social media accounts. Reddit has started legal action against this law. This is the second legal challenge to the law. Two Australian teenagers also filed a lawsuit. However, the government wants to protect young people online.
The new law requires ten social media companies to check users' ages. This is to stop young Australians from using these sites. The government says this law is important. It will protect children from bad online content. Communications Minister Anika Wells believes it helps mental health. Many countries are making similar rules for young people.
Reddit is following the law for now. But they told the High Court the law is wrong. They worry about privacy and free speech. Reddit said the law misses the point. They believe there are better ways to protect youth. This case is different from the teenagers' case. Their case is about freedom of political talk. They say democracy is important for everyone.
Two challenges are now happening. One is from a big company. The other is from young people. This will be a very important court case. Experts think it will look at government power and rights online. The government will strongly defend its policy. They will not stop because of lawsuits.
The world is watching this case. Other countries are thinking about similar rules. Australia's decision could set an example. It might lead to more rules or show problems with them. The court's decision will affect the ban in Australia. It will also impact laws about the internet everywhere. This includes free speech, privacy, and young people online.